Chardon (thistle) from Eugene Grasset’s La Plante et ses Applications Ornementales (1896).
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
Every bloom is represented in three ways.
Chardon (thistle) from Eugène Grasset’s “La Plante et ses Applications Ornementales” (1896). (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
The first picture shows the natural rendering of each plant from multiple angles.
The other two images give examples of stylized designs incorporating the flower.
This three-part method of presenting illustrations demonstrates Grasset’s philosophy of drawing.
The realistic plate of chardon (thistle) from Eugène Grasse’s “La Plante et ses Applications Ornementales” (1896). (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
As an art teacher in Paris, Grasset’s book was an educational aid.
His original intended audience was other artists who wished to incorporate floral motifs into their own work.
Grasset’s designs are now available for modern artists to consult via digitization on the New York Public Librarywebsite.
Art Nouveau illustration showing a column with chardon (thistle) design. (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
Art Nouveau used new organic forms and designs, especially in the decorative arts.
Art Nouveau illustration showing a column with chardon (thistle) design.
Drawing of pissenlit (dandelion). (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
Drawing of pissenlit (dandelion).
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
Abstractions of pissenlit (dandelion). (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
Abstractions of pissenlit (dandelion).
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
Grasset presented examples of how to incorporate his floral designs into furniture.
Grasset presented examples of how to incorporate his floral designs into furniture. (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
A realistic depiction of capucine (nasturtium).
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
A realistic depiction of capucine (nasturtium). (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
Designs incorporating capucine (nasturtium).
(Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library.
Designs incorporating capucine (nasturtium). (Photo: Original from theThe New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced byrawpixel[CC0])
